Distribution efficiency of Sorghum marketing in selected areas of Adamawa central zone of Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the distribution efficiency of sorghum marketing in selected areas of Adamawa central zone of Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to identify and describe the marketing channels of sorghum, determine the costs and returns involved in marketing, distribution margins; and identify the major problems of sorghum marketing. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire to 75 randomly selected sorghum marketers in the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and budgeting techniques. It was observed that farmer's margin was as high 96.81% and 3.19% went to middlemen involved in sorghum marketing. Also it was found that wholesalers net margin per 100Kg bag was N133.20 and N7.71 per 100 Kg bag for retailers. The study reveals that sorghum marketing system was performing fairly efficient in Adamawa central zone. The study make some suggestions like reduction in transport fares, erection of market stalls, stores, and reduction in market taxes, so as to improve the marketing of sorghum in the study areas.

Keywords: Distribution efficiency, sorghum marketing, central zone.

Bowen Journal of Agriculture Vol. 5 (1&2) 2008: pp. 63-71